The judge is condemned when a guilty person escapes punishment.

Explanation

The public holds the judge accountable for the faithful discharge of his duty — failure to administer justice implicates the judge himself.

Where this applies

• A judge let a clearly guilty person go free on a technicality — the judge failed in their duty.
• The community blames the judge for letting a dangerous criminal walk.

See also

• 8.3.4 Let justice be done, though the heavens fall.